In a major counter-terrorism operation, five militants were killed in a fierce gunfight with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Thursday. The encounter occurred in the Behibagh area of Kader village, where the presence of suspected militants had been reported. Acting on intelligence inputs, security forces launched a cordon and search operation late Wednesday night, which escalated into an encounter when the militants opened fire.
The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, in a post on X, confirmed the joint operation by the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police. The post stated, “Based on specific intelligence about the presence of terrorists, a joint operation was launched on December 19 in Kader, Kulgam. Alert troops noticed suspicious activity, and the terrorists initiated indiscriminate firing. Our forces responded effectively.”
A String of Recent Attacks
The Kulgam encounter comes amidst a series of heightened militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier this month, a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant allegedly involved in a deadly attack at a tunnel construction site in Gagangir, central Kashmir, was killed in an encounter in the Srinagar forest area. In that incident, seven unarmed workers, including laborers and a contractor’s employee, were killed when militants indiscriminately opened fire near their camp after they returned from work.
Such incidents underscore the continued targeting of civilians by militants. In one of the most gruesome attacks this year, nine pilgrims were killed on June 9 in Reasi when militants opened fire on a bus, causing it to fall into a gorge. Security forces have intensified operations to dismantle militant networks, conducting multiple joint operations in areas like Baramulla and Sopore.
Recent Counter-Terrorism Successes
On November 23, a joint operation by Baramulla Police and security forces uncovered a militant hideout in the Kunzer area of Baramulla district. Earlier, on November 9, based on intelligence about militant presence, the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a significant operation in Rajpura, Sopore, and the general area of Baramulla.
Impact of Kulgam Operation
The successful operation in Kulgam highlights the robust counter-terrorism strategy employed by security forces in the region. By neutralizing five militants, this operation not only delivers a significant blow to militant networks but also underscores the commitment of security forces to ensuring peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the recent spate of attacks indicates that the threat from militant groups remains persistent, necessitating sustained vigilance and proactive measures.
